Name and Location
Methanol plant project, Ghana.

Project Description
The project proposes to construct a methanol production plant, using natural gas feedstocks procured from various oilfields, in Ghana, including the Jubilee offshore oilfield, which is estimated to contain 600-million barrels to 1,5-billion barrels of crude oil. The location for the plant is yet to be confirmed; however, the south-western region is considered suitable.

The methanol produced will be both for domestic use and for export. The aim is to produce about 850 000 t/y of the chemical precursor. The application of Japanese methanol production technology will also be considered for the project.

Methanol has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the processing of dimethyl ether, which is an environment-friendly fuel. The global demand of methanol has reached 40-million tons a year, with continued growth forecast to be about 3% a year.

Value
The cost of the project is estimated at $600-million.

Duration
It is envisaged that the plant will begin production in 2015.

Client
The government of Ghana, represented by the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

Latest Developments
The government of Ghana signed a memorandum of understanding on October 1, 2010, to collaborate on a feasibility study to determine the viability of the proposed methanol plant.

The details have yet to be worked out; however, it seems that a joint venture company will be established between Marubeni and a State-owned company to proceed with the project.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Marubeni Corporation (Accra), tel +233 21 785 4351.
Ministry of Energy, tel +233 21 667 1523/683 9614, fax +233 21 668 262 or email moen@energymin.gov.gh.
Ministry of Trade and Industry, tel +233 30 268 6563/6528/6500, fax +233 30 266 5663/2428 oremail info@moti.gov.gh.